What would you choose?

[Buchanan0204]

I'm in the market for building a new system and stuck between two processors.

Intel Core i3 540 3.06GHz (Clarkdale) (Socket LGA1156) - Retail

AMD Athlon II X4 Quad Core 630 2.80GHz (Socket AM3) - Retail

The computer will be used by my girlfriend, so probably won't be playing any games or anything major. The odd bit of photoshopping and anything she can find to tinker with.

I'm leaning towards the athlon as it is a quad, although the I3 beat's it in benchmarks?

I'm on the fence, what one would you go for?

 

[Justintime]

For her use i'd say the i3. Though if you were to go with the Athlon, what about the 640? its only like 5 quid more.

 

[Buchanan0204]

For her use i'd say the i3. Though if you were to go with the Athlon, what about the 640? its only like 5 quid more.

Probably would get the 640. Any reason you would favour the I3?

 

[Justintime]

Sounds like mostly it'll be used as a single/dual core setup.. which i expect the i3 will totally own the AMD in. Plus with HT it'll benefit a little, not exactly 4 core performance but still snappy.

 

[Buchanan0204]

Sounds like mostly it'll be used as a single/dual core setup.. which i expect the i3 will totally own the AMD in. Plus with HT it'll benefit a little, not exactly 4 core performance but still snappy.

I agree. Take a look at the original post and see what you think. I am definitely leaning strongly towards the I3 now.

 

[Justintime]

Yea, looks like the i3 is better tbh, i am biased toward Intel these days, but if theres a better AMD for the job i'd say so